LendingClub CEO Renaud Laplanche on Thursday morning said that allocating more than 10 percent of its IPO shares to small investors was designed to express appreciation for those who have contributed to the company's success.

Jim Goulka could say he's learned a little bit about business over the year. He once tried to save Encyclopedia Britannica from digital extinction. On the other end of the spectrum, he built a startup and sold it to Steve Jobs. Now, he's on the hunt to invest in startups.